Quinn: May consider school punishment commission

Gov. Pat Quinn says he may consider a special commission to look at the racial disparity in how Illinois schoolchildren are disciplined.

The Illinois Senate is forming a study group.

Quinn said Monday he read with "interest" a report by The Associated Press that shows blacks account for half of all student suspensions even though they make up only one-fifth of the enrollment.

The Chicago Democrat said it's worth considering a special commission to look at the issue. He said discipline needs to be "evenhanded."

Quinn appointed a special commission earlier this year to look at how clout influenced admission decisions at the University of Illinois.